Why did I pick Queen’s University?

I chose to apply for English and Linguistics at Queen’s University for lots of reasons, and while admittedly the locality of the University came into it, so did the reputation of the University and the faculty. I considered a handful of different courses at both Queen's and UU, and narrowed it down by looking into the information about module options.

I found the options on this degree path to be the most diverse and exciting, as it includes literature options ranging from contemporary all the way back to texts in Old English as well as options in linguistic language studies from many different approaches. I knew this would be an option that would keep me constantly learning new things, and I haven’t regretted it for a second.

Receiving an academic award at Queen's

How did I get here?

I honestly never thought I would make it to University, having left school without A-Levels or any equivalent level of education, and with little confidence in myself to ever achieve more. Belfast Metropolitan College run Access to University courses accredited by Queen’s University that provide people like me with a route into University. It was daunting to undertake fresh studies twelve years after leaving school, but the tutors there made the transition back to education feel so natural. Most importantly however, they also provided me with the confidence I needed to overcome all my self-doubts and take the next steps on this academic journey, while supporting me through the University application process. 

What about finances?

There are definitely some unique financial barriers to education as a Mature Student, for example, not many people in their late teens or early twenties have to worry about paying a mortgage! There are lots of ways to make things work though. Your student loans can be planned out well to keep you afloat and you can keep working part time to supplement this. Depending on the degree you wish to study, many of these can be undertaken on a part-time basis too; that might mean it takes longer to complete the degree, but it gives you more time to work and support yourself and your family while you study.

My tutors at Belfast Met also told us about the Uversity Scholarships which are provided for students over the age of 23, who live anywhere on the island of Ireland who are taking on their first degree at a participating University. Although it is competitive, the application process for this was fairly straight forward and simple. I signed up for an online information session, sent off an application with a personal statement that explained the ways in which the scholarship support would make it so much easier for me to access higher level education, and then attended an interview.

The InnovateHer team

Honestly, Greta and Tracey, who are the main co-ordinators and points of contact, are so warm and encouraging any time you speak with them. In addition to the scholarship funding they also run a programme of online learning sessions every year, covering things like interview skills, building a CV, academic writing and referencing, presentation skills etc. to help you feel prepared for the future. There is also a group chat that allows us Uversity Scholars to form a community and support each other as well, and that is a lovely way to know that your own experience as a Mature Student is a shared one, across multiple disciplines and institutions. 

You are not alone!

Speaking of community, I was so worried that I would feel out of place at University as an “old” student but I was surprised to find that there are actually quite a lot of us Mature Students! I have found being in an environment where you naturally assume people are younger has come as a small blessing to me, as many people are shocked to learn that I am in my 30s, so I do feel like it has brought me a bit of extra youthful pep!!

However, it is true that these assumptions can make it difficult for me to recognise fellow Mature Students in the wild, so it really helps to have the Mature Student Society there to help us come together and connect. One of my favourite things about the Society is that we have a WhatsApp group that helps students feel part of our community even when parenting, caring or work commitments outside of classes make it difficult to attend the in-person events. That feels particularly important, because Mature Students often have extra responsibilities such as these which younger students can’t relate to so easily, so it is nice to be able to feel seen and understood. 

Members of the Mature Students Society

Other Support

The University has also offered me so much support. There are people available to advise you on everything from health, wellness and mental wellbeing, disability support and advice on housing issues, through to academic advice. In some cases there are peer support options too, which can sometimes be less intimidating. None of the support is difficult to access, and even if you accidentally approach the wrong person, they are always willing to do what they can and point you in the direction of the right person or department. It would be a lie to say I have never felt a bit lost or worried during my studies, but I have always been able to get the right support to feel confident again in no time, and without any judgement. 

Student Life

I had expected that my university experience would be spent on the social side-lines, feeling out of place and just going to classes and heading straight home afterwards, but I have been afforded so many opportunities to get involved with things that have made feel like a welcomed and valued member of the student community. I took part in the “InnovateHer” entrepreneurship programme, I have been a course rep, I became Secretary of the Mature Student Society, and I am now currently taking part in a mentorship programme with Queen’s alumni. Through these things I have been able to make friends here that I value and I hope to maintain these friendships for many years to come, some of them even came to my wedding last summer! 

Emma's uni friends attending her wedding!

This has been the most rewarding journey of my life so far, it has given me confidence and opened doors for me in ways I could not have ever predicted. If any potential Mature Student out there is thinking about coming to Queen’s but is feeling apprehensive, I would absolutely encourage you to take the leap, you won’t regret it!

Find out more

Mature students at Queen's

Routes to University

Financing University

Emma Houston BA English and Linguistics | Undergraduate Student | NI My name is Emma Houston. I come from County Antrim and I’m currently studying English and Linguistics as a Mature Student here at Queen’s University. I am also the current secretary of the Mature Students’ Society, so if you have any questions on how to get more involved with Uni life as a Mature Student, then I am more than happy to give you some advice. You will often spot me with my nose in a book around the McClay, or enjoying a good coffee to perk myself up on a sleepy morning!